Courses
Phoenix Realtime Steno-Machine Theory (352 hours) FNX 100: Credits 4
Phoenix Theory is a rigorous and complete system for mastering shorthand reporting on a stenotype machine and a foundation for reaching realtime speeds with near perfect accuracy. Students progress through a self-directed and teacher supervised series of computer based lessons that flows organically from basic to advanced theory. Based on statistical evidence, by having the theory portion of court reporting classroom based with an instructor present, students have a significantly improved likelihood of successfully completing the program. Theory instruction also includes the use of electronic media and realtime technology (Case Catalyst).
English For Court Reporters (208 hours) ENG 100: Credits 2.25
Course work provides the comprehensive study and practice of writing mechanics—punctuation, paragraphing, capitalization and spelling—which are vital components to the clear and accurate production of professional transcripts. Students will also review and learn the rules of grammar, usage and sentence structure. A cornerstone of class work will be vocabulary development, which will include activities and exercises through which students will develop their spelling and vocabulary skills. Students shall be able to demonstrate ability to apply the rules of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization to sentences, paragraphs, and transcripts through systematic testing and/or projects.
Speed Building (768 hours) SBD 200: Credits 8.0
Speed Building is the instructor supervised practice of shorthand theory to develop speed while maintaining high accuracy when transcribing. Using specially designed professional software, students receive immediate, constant and unique computer feedback that assesses shorthand speed and style, and suggests effective and efficient adjustments that will help the student obtain faster shorthand speeds. Speeding Building shall include testing at incremental speeds on unfamiliar material. The same test shall not be repeated more than once every six months to the same student. Speed test transcription shall be monitored and timed. Test data shall be deleted immediately.
Transcript Production (32 hours) TRP 200: Credits 0.5
This course identifies and analyzes the production of the written transcript taken from legal and non-legal proceedings and the differences between the two formats. The focus is on the preparation of transcripts of proceedings using computer-aided transcription. The student shall be able to produce a complete and accurate transcript of at least ten pages on Case Catalyst software from the student's own stenographic notes including title page, index, jury charge, direct and cross-examination, parentheticals, colloquy, certification page, and such other entries as may appear in a given case i.e. signature page. Students shall be able to produce a five page, first pass transcript with a goal of 95% translation rate using a realtime system. Students shall demonstrate knowledge of an application of realtime translation technology through systematic testing.
Court Reporting Procedures (64 hours) CRP 100: Credits 1.0
Classroom simulations of legal proceedings to enable students to exhibit the conduct and ethics required in the working world including the following: Administering an oath/affirmation; Marking and handling exhibits; Exercising responsibility for reporting the proceeding; Indexing and storing notes; Interrupting the speaker; obtaining spellings of proper names; identifying multiply speakers; handling off-the-record discussions; indicating non-verbal actions; certifying questions; reporting interpreted proceedings; and handling, reading, and signing examinations for discovery. Students will combine their shorthand and transcription skills in the preparation of accurate transcripts using computer aided transcription (CAT). Maintenance of efficient CAT habits will be emphasized. Students will be required to produce a ten-page transcript on a CAT system.
Introduction to Canadian Law (64 hours) LAW 100: Credits 1.0
Introduction to the concept of law as a social institution. With the use of live simulations, the student will be familiarized with all aspects of the courtroom as it relates to the participants, including the court reporter. Overview of all aspects of law including legal terminology.
Current Events (44 hours) CEV 100: Credits 0.5
This course includes coverage of local events, national events, international events, local and regional geography. Students shall be able to demonstrate understanding of current events through quizzes, and/or dictation.
Legal and Medical Terminology (32 hours) LMT 200: Credits 0.5
This course introduces technical language that court reporters encounter in the field such as medical and pharmaceutical terms used by expert witnesses as well as common business and legal terminology such as that encountered in examinations for discovery, the drafting of contracts, criminal and civil law, and hearings and arbitrations. Students shall be able to demonstrate an understanding and application of law, legal terminology, anatomy and medical terminology.
Computer Aided Transcription (64 hours) CAT 100: Credits 0.5
Students will learn how to set up and operate realtime related hardware, read in steno files, research and prepare for writing realtime, translate files against their Personal Dictionary, and edit their transcripts. A major portion of the course will be spent editing transcript files, and learning the most efficient methods to produce the same result. Students will learn advanced features, such as how to create page layouts indexes, "include" files, and print full and compressed versions of transcripts. Students receive instruction in writing the spoken word with punctuation by means of Phoenix Theory. Students will also receive overviews in the reporter's role in CART (equipment setup, hardware and software), broadcast captioning (and consumer expectations for both) and Videotaping (including video equipment in trials and NCRA's Video Specialist Program.
Steno-Machine Shorthand Dictation (128 hours) DCT 200: Credits 1.0
This course develops students' comfort, familiarity, speed and accuracy on a stenotype machine by executing live dictation exercises. The instructor reads from a variety of source material and will vary the source sound--i.e. play live radio, have other students read or speak for dictation--so that students may become accustomed to different voices or writing shorthand for multiple speakers. Dictation shall include (live, online, or by electronic media), but not be limited to, two-voice and multi-voice testimony (including medical and technical material), literary, jury charge, and current events.
Students also have an opportunity to read and proofread their shorthand notes at the end of each session and can compare notes with other students, which further hones their reporting skills.
Tools For Success (32 hours) TFS 100: Credits 0.5
The purpose of this course is to prepare students for success in school, at work and in personal life by focusing on intangible yet invaluable knowledge and skills. Perseverance, a positive mindset, goal setting, habit restructuring, and a focus on personal growth and health are not only taught and discussed in this course, but students are given the tools and training necessary to manifest these ends. Topics also include the development of pragmatic skills such as note taking, problem solving, time management, approaches to studying, and team work.
Professional Development (16 hours) PRO 200: Credits 0.25
This course prepares students for a professional working environment. Topics explored include effective resume and cover letter writing content, format and techniques as well as appropriate attire, communication skills, professional conduct and development of portfolio. Students will review the role of the realtime reporter in proceedings: speaker identification; and realtime transcript, composition, and formatting. Reviewed also will be litigation support in the judicial environment: an overview of the reporter's role in providing litigation support; an overview of hardware and software, including ASCII, RTF and MSWord files.
Practicum (50 hours) PRT 300: Credits Not Applicable
The practicum offers students an opportunity to gain experience and knowledge through observation of the working reporter in the judicial and educational environment by work one-on-one with an experienced court reporter to obtain first hand experience in the field. Reporters will direct, instruct and inform students as they experience life as a working court reporter. Experience gained during practicum will include helping the production department with preparing transcripts to be sent to clients, reviewing software systems, attending CART jobs, and attending examinations for discovery. Students must achieve shorthand speeds in excess of 180 wpm testimony to qualify for practicum training. Students will participate by writing in actual situations relating to freelance, courtroom, and the realtime environments.
Canadian Centre for Verbatim Studies:
Is Court Reporting Right for Me?
LINKS:
National Court Reporters’ Association
Chartered Shorthand Reporters’ Association
Canadian Centre For Verbatim Studies
10 St Mary St, Suite 504 (at Yonge Street) Toronto, Ontario Canada
Phone # 416-960-2287, or 1-877-337-2287